I’ll just go ahead and spoil this post by saying that I haven’t actually negotiated a corn free tattoo. I’m sure it’s possible to do, I just haven’t done it. This question just comes up a lot so I wanted to cover what we *do* know about corn allergy concerns with tattooing.
The Ink
Tattoo ink consists of a pigment that imparts the color, and a carrier or base for the pigment to make it flow freely so that it can be injected into your dermis with the tattoo gun. The carrier for the ink is typically ethanol or glycerin. Ethanol can be from a number of things but is usually corn. Glycerin is usually from corn, soy, or palm. The pigments could be corny but usually are mineral based. It will be harder to find out about what is in the pigments than what the carrier is. You will need to get ahold of your artists ink supplier and get THEM to talk with you about the carrier, don’t expect your artist to know what’s in them.
I have heard that some tattoo inks use witch hazel for the carrier, however not only is witch hazel often actually witch hazel extract in a corn ethanol base, but I have heard that witch hazel tattoos age poorly. I have also heard that some artists mix their own inks from a dry pigment base, but I would be concerned with getting the correct concentration each time. But I’m not an expert: that level of detail is where you need work directly with your artist. You’ll need to find someone that has a proven track record of good art that ages well, and who is willing to work with you to keep you safe.
Everything Else
In addition to the ink itself you may need to be concerned about:
- antiseptic used on skin before the work
- plastic tubing (that ink runs through)
- ointment applied after the tattoo
- plastic ink cups
- plastic soap bottle and soap inside it
- plastic wrap or other sheeting that may be used to cover surfaces
- paper towels (he uses to wipe away excess ink as he works)
- gloves
- sanitizer used to wash any surfaces
- the artist’s hand soap
- the artist’s personal care products such as deodorant or aftershave
- Any bandage or wrap used to cover the tattoo after work is finished.
- Adhesive used to attach the bandage, wrap, or cover.
A tattoo shop may be limited in what they can and can’t use depending on state and local regulations, so it’s important to choose an artist that will communicate clearly with you and takes your concerns seriously. Never get a tattoo from someone you don’t trust and who doesn’t treat you kindly. That’s just generally good advice even if you don’t have any allergies.
I haven’t yet found a corn free tattoo ink. I have many tattoos but I got them all before becoming very sensitive to corn and have been afraid to get more work since then. I really haven’t been trying hard though: finding safe food has been a higher priority so I haven’t contacted any ink manufacturers yet. If you find a corn free ink please let me know, and if you happen to find one that is free of soy and palm as well that would be just dandy.
Corn Allergy Girl 
If you do ever find a corn free way to do tattoos if you could please email me, I’ve got a tattoo I’ve wanted for years and the last year discovered corn was so much of the severe physical pain triggers I’ve had a long time. So I don’t dare do a ‘normal tattoo’ into my system now, but still really want the tattoo some day! Thanks for your research!!
http://kurosumi.com
From contacting the company and asking questions. This brand of tattoo ink does not have corn in it. They were every polite and quick to respond to my question. I have a deadly recation to corn and I have 2 tattoos by this ink brand. I hope this helps out. I do know that after care can be difficult as there is corn in everything, well lot of things.
Thanks! If you were able to share any details about what you asked them exactly and how they answered that would save me some effort. The phrase “contains corn” means a lot of things to a lot of people and the degree to which I need to avoid corn is more than most companies would be prepared for. Any info you had about whether the ink contains ethanol, glycerin, or any preservatives such as potassium sorbate or citric acid, and what those are derived from if so would be a big time saver for me.
These are copies of my emails sent to them. I really hope this helps out.